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Update; Officers consult Fish and Game experts after reports of mountain lion sightings in Boise

Boise Police Department
News Release

William L. Bones
Chief of Police

Contact: Lynn Hightower
Communications Director
570-6180

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, May 21, 2012

Update; Officers consult Fish and Game experts after reports of mountain lion sightings in Boise

Boise, May 22nd, 2012 - Ada County Dispatchers began receiving calls from citizens at approximately 11:30 p.m. last night indicating the mountain lion was in the area of BSU and the greenbelt, just north of the stadium. Idaho Fish and Game officers, along with Boise Police responded to the location. On the advice of Fish and Game officials, the cat was shot as it walked across the greenbelt pathway. Fish and Game have taken the animal into their custody.

It is unfortunate that the incident ended this way, however, safety for the citizens of Boise has to be the primary concern when conflicts of this nature take place in an urban environment like downtown Boise.

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Boise, May 21st, 2012 - Boise Police are consulting wildlife experts at Idaho Fish & Game after reported mountain lion sightings in the city. The sightings began this weekend. Because of the potential threat to citizen safety, Boise Police officers inform and consult Fish & Game managers, coordinate a response and officers conduct an immediate area search to try and find the animal.

Deer and other wildlife are known to live along the river. Although it's rare, wildlife experts say sometimes mountain lions will follow prey animals into the city. Conflicts can occur when a mountain lion becomes too accustomed to the presence of people, often near where we live or recreate, and begin preying on livestock or other domestic animals.

Sightings reported to BPD:

Friday May 18th, Mountain Lion Sighting: 2500 block of S. Mill Point. (Warm SpringsMesa) 9:00 p.m. Officers responded to this location after the calling party indicated that he saw a dead deer in his neighbor’s yard. A short time later the witness observed that the deer had been dragged approximately 20 feet and saw that a mountain lion was lying next to the deer. The mountain lion immediately fled into the brush behind the house. BPD and IDF&G officers conducted an area check but were unable to locate the cat.

Saturday May 19th, Mountain Lion sighting: Residents of Warm Springs Mesa reported seeing a mountain lion in the neighborhood. The last report came at approximately 11:30 p.m. A citizen observed the cat run across Warm Springs, and down on to the greenbelt.

Monday may 21st, Mountain Lion Sighting- Front/Ave A- 0440 hrs-Two separate citizens reported seeing a mountain lion heading into the Whole Foods construction site. Fish and Game responded and recommended the mountain lion be put down if located. While officers were searching this location, another citizen reported the cat running east on the greenbelt near Bronco Stadium. Officers did not locate the animal during a search of the area.

If you spot the mountain lion in the city call police immediately.

According to wildlife experts, wild animals generally try to avoid human contact. If you do see an animal in the wild: